Silhouette of a person gazing at the sky.
(Getty)

Building a Life

What Judaism says about finding your purpose.

Advertisement

What should I do with my life? The question pursues us to the very end of our days. Whether we are fulfilling our destiny in this world is a constant challenge and provocation.

Some believe each of us has a fixed, preset destiny and life is a search; others believe our purpose is created and life is a shaping.

Judaism offers both models. There are moments and missions that require only we heed the voice: In ancient times Abraham was chosen and resolute. In modern times many visionaries felt that they had only to pay attention and their journey was laid clearly before them. 

Support My Jewish Learning

Help us keep Jewish knowledge accessible to millions of people around the world.

Your donation to My Jewish Learning fuels endless journeys of Jewish discovery. With your help, My Jewish Learning can continue to provide nonstop opportunities for learning, connection and growth.

But for most of us there are multiple paths to walk. Each will develop unique sides of ourselves. The task is not to find the solitary correct road, but one of the roads that will make us better, brighter, more fully realized human beings. 

What you are is God’s blessing given to you. What you make of yourself is your blessing given back to God.

Rabbi David Wolpe’s musings are shared in My Jewish Learning’s Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, a weekly collection of readings to refresh your soul. Sign up to receive the newsletter.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Discover More

A Final Musing, With Thanks

After 30 years, Rabbi David Wolpe shares his final column.

What Our Adversaries Teach 

Judaism teaches us to learn from our enemies.

Thoughts and Prayers

Don't be confused about the function of Jewish prayer.

Advertisement